Bangladesh cricket’s journey is set to take a fresh turn with the appointment of Mohammad Salahuddin as Senior Assistant Coach for the national team. With over two decades of coaching experience, Salahuddin has big ambitions, not only for the team’s immediate goals but for the future of local coaches in the national setup. His return marks a significant move under Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) new president, Faruque Ahmed, who looks to empower local coaching talent and break away from past hesitations. Salahuddin’s contract, running through March 2024, will officially begin with Bangladesh's upcoming tour to the West Indies.

Local coaches in the national arena

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has traditionally been cautious about assigning major responsibilities to local coaches. However, under the leadership of BCB president Faruque Ahmed, a shift is underway. Salahuddin, who holds an ACC-Cricket Australia Level 3 coaching accreditation, brings years of national and international coaching experience, having previously served Bangladesh as Assistant Coach and Fielding Coach from 2006 to 2010.

In his statement on Friday, Salahuddin expressed his gratitude for this opportunity and emphasized his vision for the local coaching community. He highlighted that his goal is not only to guide players tactically but also to build a mindset where the next generation dreams bigger and pursues consistent self-improvement. He believes this can have a long-term positive impact on the players’ mindset, saying, “As a coach, I think this is the biggest challenge for me — to make them think that they will dominate world cricket in the future.”

Salahuddin also acknowledged BCB president Faruque Ahmed’s role in his appointment, stating that Ahmed reached out multiple times to ensure Salahuddin joined the coaching team. This sense of mutual commitment adds weight to Salahuddin’s objectives of fostering local talent, which he sees as a crucial responsibility.

Building a platform for future local coaches

One of Salahuddin’s primary aims in his new role is to lay a foundation for local coaches to have a stronger presence in Bangladesh's cricket landscape. For years, discussions had been ongoing about providing a platform for Bangladeshi coaches to step into the national setup. Salahuddin now sees his appointment as an opportunity to create this pathway.

By setting a strong example, Salahuddin hopes to encourage the board to place more trust in Bangladeshi coaches in the future. “If I can pave the way, even if it’s for a short time, our local coaches might also do well,” he said, noting that such a move would help bolster the confidence of aspiring coaches and elevate the status of Bangladeshi coaching talent on the international stage.

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In addition, Salahuddin emphasized his commitment to helping players in all aspects—mentally, technically, and tactically—while also sharing his experiences with the team. Reflecting on his previous tenure, he acknowledged the contributions of past players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim and expressed a desire to assist the next generation of players with the same dedication.

Mohammad Salahuddin’s return as Senior Assistant Coach for Bangladesh’s national cricket team marks a new chapter in his career and an opportunity for growth within Bangladesh’s coaching community. With his focus on player development, building confidence, and creating a foundation for future local coaches, Salahuddin’s presence is set to inspire both current players and aspiring coaches. As Bangladesh gears up for the West Indies tour, this fresh approach could set the tone for a new era in Bangladesh cricket, where the role of local talent—both on the field and in coaching—is more prominent than ever.